Best Exercises for Golfer's Elbow: Plus Treatment and Prevention Tips

To build strength, prevent and relieve pain, and increase flexibility, do the following exercises two times per day.

Build up gently and gradually over time. Do these exercises before and after any activity that causes stress or strain. Be gentle and don't force any of the movements.

You may experience sensations, aches, and slight discomfort while doing these exercises, but it shouldn't go beyond that.

If you experience pain or any of your symptoms worsen, stop doing the exercises. Give yourself time to rest completely, and if you don't see an improvement in a few days, talk to your doctor.

Keep your body still throughout this exercise.

1. While seated, place your affected forearm on a table or the arm of a chair with your palm facing down.
2. Place your opposite hand on the back of your affected hand.
3. Press your affected hand up, using your opposite hand to create resistance by pressing down.
4. Continue for 10 seconds, slowly increasing the resistance.
5. Gently release. Do 15 reps.

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Keep your body still while doing this exercise.

1. While seated, rest your affected forearm on a table or the arm of a chair with your palm facing up.
2. Press your opposite palm into your affected hand.
3. Press your affected hand upwards as you use your opposite hand to create resistance by pressing down.
4. Continue for 10 seconds, slowly increasing the resistance.
5. Gently release. Do 15 reps.

While seated, hold a weight with your affected arm.

1. Place your forearm on a table or the arm of a chair with your hand hanging over the edge and your palm facing down.
2. Slowly lower your hand down before raising it back to the original position.
3. Do 1–3 sets of 15 reps.

While seated, hold a weight with your affected arm.

1. Place your forearm on a table or the arm of a chair with your hand hanging over the edge and your palm facing up.
2. Slowly lower your hand down before raising it back to the original position.
3. Do 1–3 sets of 15 reps.

You will feel this stretch in the underside of your forearm.

1. Extend your affected arm in front of you with your fingers and palm facing up.
2. Use your opposite hand to gently pull your fingers and wrist down toward your body.
3. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds.
4. Do 2–5 reps.

To prevent golfer's elbow, there are a number of things you can try, including:

• working on strengthening your forearm muscles with light weightlifting or by squeezing a tennis ball for five minutes at a time
• changing your technique and slowing down your golf swing to allow your arm to absorb less shock
• using proper form to avoid overloading your muscles
• using lighter graphite clubs in place of heavier golfing irons
• staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your golf game

One of the best prevention methods is to warm up before you golf. This gets your blood flowing and raises your muscle temperature, preparing your body for more intense activity. Stretch your shoulders, arm, and back before each session.

If you're already experiencing pain, you could try wearing a counterforce brace or splint. These devices help distribute the tension throughout the tendon and muscle instead of directly over the injury site. You can also try using a compression bandage.

You can find counterforce braces and compression bandages for golfer's elbow online or at your local pharmacy or sports shop.

These simple home remedies can ease symptoms during a flare-up and prevent them from recurring.

Rest

Rest for a few days when your symptoms are severe. Take a break from any movements that cause pain. If you must do them for a job, modify or adjust the movements as much as you're able. To prevent swelling, elevate your elbow above your heart.

Heat and ice treatment

Use a heating pad or ice pack on the affected area. Wrap it in a towel to avoid making direct contact with your skin. Do this for 10 to 15 minutes at a time every few hours.

In addition to homemade heat and cold treatments, you can find heating pads and ice packs online and at your local pharmacy.

Pain relief

Take acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain. Take them before the pain becomes intense or severe. Always stay within the recommended dosage and don't take pain relievers for more than 10 days.

Natural options for pain relief include turmeric, willow bark, and cloves.

Book a session

Give yourself a little TLC. If you can, schedule appointments for acupuncture, massage, or Rolfing. Continue with the sessions even if your symptoms improve.

Ergonomics

If you have pain due to how you sit at your desk or from lifting or carrying heavy objects or bags, change your positioning and posture to allow for proper movement.

Elbow pain will usually get better within a few days. Talk to your doctor if your pain is recurring or doesn't improve over time. They can give you an examination, provide a diagnosis, and suggest treatment plans.

Treatments may include cortisone or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections or physical therapy.

Less common cases will require a surgery known as open medial epicondylar release procedure. This will involve removing damaged tissues from the elbow.

You should also see a doctor if you have symptoms more serious than general pain and stiffness. These symptoms include:

• tingling
• numbness
• weakness
• swelling
• fever
• redness
• immobility of the arm
• deformity

The simple and effective exercises above can help you manage the symptoms of golfer's elbow as soon as they arise. You can do these a few times per day.

There are also a number of home remedies and prevention recommendations to prevent your condition from worsening.

In addition, follow a healthy diet, get plenty of rest, and exercise a few times per week. Your symptoms should subside within two weeks of treatment. If you don't see improvement after this time, see your doctor.